Rain Has Come Again

 

Back in May of this year, we experienced the onslaught of heavy rains, for about three days, straight.  We found many people stuck on the roads in high water.  The creek and river banks were gorged and overflowing, with possible ruptures of the local dams around the lakes.  Now, we are in the middle of the same situation, with the latest weather.

 

Today, it's again raining and has been since yesterday morning, with rain amounts in the 5, 6 & 7inch range in most areas of North Texas and over most of the State.  Looks as though the rain will stay here another day or so, since Hurricane Patricia has hit Mexico and traveling up the coast in our direction.  The outer  bands of the hurricane, will continue the upper level of moisture to be present in our areas.  

We are already floating, and there has been many motorists stranded needed rescue.  

The local construction areas have been affected with flooding as well, causing delays in commuter traffic the last 24 hours.

Update on Grill

Well, he finally got the darn thing put together, after another all afternoon in the backyard. Here he was so proud of himself, and now it was time for me to start a fire in it and cook!  Cool, right?  NOT!  You have to understand, that all I wanted was a firebox, stove stack and a place to smoke, with a wood fire!  This wasn't the type of grill for that purpose!  This is a "charcoal" grill, period!
Well, all my well intentions along with his, went right up in smoke, so to speak!  I built the fire, not a large one, just normal for starting some coals, to smoke with!  But something went wrong and there became a larger fire in a matter of minutes. The insides of the firebox began to catch flame, or should I say the coating of the metal.  I smelled fumes that didn't seem to be right and notice the fire spreading!  This is when I ran for the water hose, turned it on and doused the darn thing.  Fire had started coming outside to the paint and was burning it from the vent hole.  I put out the thing just in time to keep it from exploding into a downright disaster!  POOF!
Now, it's sitting out in the backyard, with burnt wood in the tray, waiting for me to clean it, and get some charcoal to use in it!  Not what I wanted, but will make do till a better day!  His intentions were good, that's what counts.

My New Grill/Smoker

 Friday when payday came around, he felt the need to get us a new Kingsford Charcoal Grill/Smoker.  Instead of being smart and buying one already put together, he reaches over and picks up one in a box.  As you can tell it was the wrong decision to make. 

Well, he finally took my advice to heart and read the instructions.  Really this was after he had already put the wrong size screw in a hole and got it stuck.  

 

Men can be so hard headed when they think they know how everything is done.   

 

Needless to say, the grill got the best of him today, and it will be tomorrow or the next day before it gets finished.  All the Dewalt's in the world can't help, when a man knows it all!

Winter Vegetables

How to grow winter greens...

Cool Fall Crop

A cool winter crop......

What Rain?

The skies got dark, yesterday and the wind did it's best to blow it down to us.  But our area still didn't get any rain.  Only a tease and that's not funny considering we were almost washed away back in May of this year.  This is twice in the last week that we've had a good chance for rain and when it did come, it only last a few minutes.  It didn't even make the ground soft and there's so many cracks that need to be filled.  I swear, it's either "feast or famine"!

A Cloud?

Is that clouds I see up in the Northeastern skies?  I had to run down town for a few things and on the way back I noticed some clouds up towards the north of town.  Wow, what a nice feeling to see some clouds.  It gives us hope of a chance of rain, which is badly needed in the middle of August.  The ground is so cracked and dry.  I hear that the lake levels are dropping as well.  Not good, after all that rain we had in May!

Cover Crops

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Plant cover crops?

Dry Ground

Summer is really here, with all the dried out sun burnt plants and cracked ground.  Yes, after all the good rain we received in May, the ground is dried out and cracking.  No help from the weather predictors either.  Seems, that if there's any chance for rain at all in the next week it will on by 30% and that's one day.  The area that could be blessed is in the upper top of our Texas State, around the Red River and TX/OK borders.  They don't expect it to come on down into our areas.  I don't see any help from the coastal area waters either.  Hurricanes, are few this year for some reason?  I suppose we can be happy that the 100* degree weather has been less this year.  Then we haven't made it to August as yet!
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Aquatic Baths

High End Bathrooms in Minimalism Style

M

inimalism bathroom designs are characterized by a thoughtful restraint and clean lines, with modern tubs and faucet solutions. Not only is a minimalist design, aesthetically stunning, and adds value to your overall home décor, it also expresses class, elegance, sophistication and serenity that is customized to provide the ultimate spa-style bath for the homeowner. Minimalism bathroom designs are characterized by a thoughtful restraint and clean lines, with modern tubs and faucet solutions. Not only is a minimalist design, aesthetically stunning, and adds value to your overall home décor, it also expresses class, elegance, sophistication and serenity that is customized to provide the ultimate spa-style bath for the homeowner. 

Deep tub- back in fashion

Bathroom design trends come and go, though sometimes a few of the more appealing ones make their way back around. Freestanding deep luxury bathtubs are one such example. Where large, jetted bathtubs were a must-have for the master bathroom, deep soaking bathtubs are now back in demand. Soaking tubs are not only relaxing, but they're also simplistic and visually appealing. Freestanding acrylic tubs are easy to maintain, and serve as a comfortable bath for two.

Whirlpool vs air tub

Have you ever wondered about the difference between freestanding whirlpool bathtubs and freestanding air bathtubs? At first glance, they seem to be pretty much the same thing. However, there is a distinct difference; air bathtubs shoot streams of air, while whirlpool bathtubs shoot streams of water. You should consider this difference when deciding which high end bathtub is right for you.

Beautiful in Black – Why Your Bathroom Needs a Black Tub

Aquatica, being the leading provider of high end bathtubs, breaks to you the latest news in bathroom décor and styling. Brace yourselves ladies and gentleman; black is back in fashion. Yes your 2015 luxury bathroom makeover should include a black bathtub at least! Aquatica, being the leading provider of high end bathtubs, breaks to you the latest news in bathroom décor and styling. Brace yourselves ladies and gentleman; black is back in fashion. Yes your 2015 luxury bathroom makeover should include a black bathtub at least! 

Acrylic Bathtub – The Best Value for Price & Quality

Known for their lasting shine despite the wear and tear, freestanding acrylic bathtubs have been the number one choice for many homeowners. Compared to the sprayed-on fiberglass bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs are thicker, sturdier and durable and have a high value for money. With a strong cast acrylic base, these bathtubs are highly resistant to cracking and chipping and are built to withstand the test of time.

Corner Tub – Smart Way to Save Space in Your Bathroom

For most homeowners, bathrooms are the most important place in the house. Be it simply brushing and grooming, or sitting down and engaging in deep philosophical thoughts, a bathroom makes your morning shine.

Feel the Gentle Massage in Your Bath

Just imagine coming home from a long, tiring day at work or college to a nice and warm soak in a high-quality jetted freestanding bathtub, a freestanding whirlpool bathtub or any other deep freestanding tub. Can you think of any other way to shake off the weariness and exhaustion of the day, other than by simply lying in your bathtub and letting the warm water relax your body?

With a range of high quality and affordable bath solutions, you can now choose from a wide variety of options – all within your budget. Dwell in hydrotherapy and let water calm, comfort and untangle each and every muscle in your body and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. 

Which is better: Freestanding or Built-In Bathtubs?

Whirlpool tubs have no doubt changed the way people experience their bathrooms. Whirlpool built-in tubs and freestanding whirlppol bathtubs have both had their loyal followings over the years. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, so making the right choice is a matter of deciding on which best suits your needs.Whirlpool tubs have no doubt changed the way people experience their bathrooms. Whirlpool built-in tubs and freestanding whirlppol bathtubs have both had their loyal followings over the years. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, so making the right choice is a matter of deciding on which best suits your needs.

Take a Luxury Bath By Candlelight

Cast stone baths are great for candlelit bathing. Bathing by candlelight brings forth images of romance, calm, and relaxation. At one time, bathing by candle light was a necessity since electric lights were not yet invented. It's easy to imagine a vintage freestanding  tub surrounded by candles while someone washes up at the end of a long day. Despite the advent of modern electric lights, bathing in warm water by the soft glow of candle light has always had a sort of charming allure.

Add a Beautiful Sculpture to Your Bathroom With a Freestanding Luxury Bathtub

You've probably seen that scene in the movie when the billionaire opens the bathroom door to reveal a sprawling private room with endless mirrors and lighting, complete with a fountain in the center. Since not all of us have the square footage to make a museum out of our washroom, free standing tubs are the more practical option for adding an air of artistic luxury to a bathroom. They're functional as well as elegant, and you don't have to spend a small fortune to obtain one.

Buying a Bathtub Without Getting Soaked

Are you in the market for a new freestanding soaker tub? If so, then you have more considerations to think about than just your bathroom's color scheme. With so many modern bathtubs on the market, finding the right one for you might take a bit of research ahead of time. On the other hand, today's variety means that you're more likely to find a tub that fits your needs. 

Minimalism style in your bathroom

If gaudy, decadent contemporary tubs aren't for you, then the minimalist style might be just right for your taste. Minimal design emphasizes clean lines and a simplistic, uncluttered look that is utterly zen. Though high end bathtubs are usually associated with over-the-top style, the minimalist design of some of the best luxury bathtubs lends itself well to spa bathrooms.

Acrylic or EcoMarmor

The name ‘cast stone’ is taken from the manufacturing process, where the material is cast in a mold. Acrylic is a specialized polymer material for bathtub manufacturing.

Aquastone properties for bathroom

Advanced AquaStone™ Solid Surface is a homogeneous, polymer composite material applied in the manufacture of all new Aquatica stone bathtub models (from 2013). The main components are acrylic, modified polyester resin, and mineral filler (Aluminum Hydroxide).

Bathtub material choise: Stone or Acryl

We hope that our new infographic will help you to choose the material of your new bathtub.

Firewood

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Here is just a few branches from the big tree that fell which we have broken up to put in the fire pit for kindling to build a fire.

As you can see, it will be a while before we can make a dent in the huge amount, since there has been a rain once too often in the last few weeks.  The summer heat is building and this means we won't be making any fires, for fear of it getting away from us and causing a problem.  There are too many forest fires in the summer because of the dry grass and weeds.  We wouldn't want to burn down our home  :(

A Difference?

What a difference a day makes!  Yesterday, it was all rainy, windy and miserable with the hurricane coming through.  Today, it's blue skies, sunshine and the wind is calm.  The ground is saturated once again and will take several days to dry out.  The heat is coming back and that makes the humidity build.  I guess it's still a good day, even though all the things that need doing will be put off a few more days.
 

Hurricane.....

Today and yesterday has been rain, rain, rain!  Hurricane Bill is coming right up through the north central areas of Texas.  Today, there are strong gusts of wind along with persistent rain showers.  All the rain we have gotten this year has been received in the last two months.  Our yard has been a lake more times than I care to remember.  People have lost their lives because of flooding creeks, streams, rivers and low lying roads.  Properties have been washed away, and others destroyed by high winds along with the storms.  It's been a rough last two months here in Texas

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Light weight, with strength and durability are just  3 of the quality listing for these items.  I ran across a website which has a warehouse full of these  microfiber   products waiting for you to shop and buy at your convenience.  Not only do they offer  Microfiber Cleaning Cloths  to help with the basic cleaning needs.  They have towels, dairy towels, mops, brushes all located at their Chicago warehouse.  I noticed the towels they consider exactly what you would want to dry off after a shower.  Many of their items are also listed in their "clearance" page, which gives a great discounted price.  
The shipping is free on a order of $100 or more, making that a convenience which you can afford.  I suggest going to this website and look around at the  Microfiber Towels  and other items ready to be purchased.  Some of the sizes shown were 12" X 12" and 16" X 16" already boxed and ready for shipping.  Whether it be one towel are hundreds, they can get your order filled and to your address in no time.  If you are buying for a business or just stocking up for your home cleaning supplies, shop this website and save on all your orders.

Lilies Blooming

 

They made it through the storms too and now I have beautiful blooms, in May.

Vegetable Plants

 

Jalapeno and tomato plants made it through all the rain and storms too.  Now, we'll see if they fare the rest of the season.

Sweet Potato Vines

 

Well, the rain didn't kill these, even though it did a job on many of my other plants.

Storms

 

Everyday, for over 3 or 4 weeks, we've seen storms, flooding and torrential rains.  Texas, has been a drought zone and now it's a flood zone.  Many have lost their lives, homes and businesses to the heavy flooding.  As for us here in my yard, we've been very lucky and blessed to only have a few limbs fall from the trees.  Thank God!

 

Lilies Budding

 

The bulbs that died after they bloomed were taken and planted in a large flower pot with my gardenia bushes.  This spring they came up and now are growing new blooms.  It seems that when you plant the old bulbs outdoors for the next year's growing season, they wait to bloom until May?  So, they don't make the Easter holiday's time for blooming.  Still I enjoy growing them when other's throw the old plant away.

Flooring in Memphis

Considering all the bad weather that's been roaming around our nation, it's safe to say that many are looking to replace floors that have been damaged by high water and such.  In TN, there has been bad weather, just as there has been in TX.  Many homes and businesses are damaged from high winds, tornadoes and flooding waters.    In TN, the  Bruce Flooring Memphis  Company, has what you will find to be the very best products for your money.  Their consultants are ready with quotes according to your needs.
I noticed that the company is offering a $500 discount on your orders and 50% of the Tigressa brand when you apply.  You can go to their website, and shop, plus apply for credit during your search.  They are located in Lakeland, TN and are servicing the Memphis, TN, plus surrounding areas.  Get the beauty your looking for in flooring or carpets when you shop this convenient website.  Whether it's Hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, or carpet, you can find the best quality for your home or business.  They offer brands such as Dal-Tile, Armstrong, Mohawk, and several others to choose from.  Special financing and warranties are just a part of this company's efforts to give you the custom floors you want.  Call them today and schedule an appointment with one of their consultants for your next custom remodeling designs.

Peaches

 
I was afraid that when we had that freezing weather, it would cause a problem with the peach trees already in bloom.  But it didn't ruin the peach crop and the weather has been great for plenty of rain, so we should get some good one's this year, if the birds and bees will leave them alone.

Not In Time

Well, this is my "Easter Lilies" coming up, but as usual, when you plant left over bulbs from the year before, it takes longer for them to adjust to the outdoors and soil.  Thus, they won't be ready to bloom until around May.

Iris

 

Here you have one of my spring flowers in full bloom  The white iris seem to always bloom first.  Wonder why that is?

Bumble Bee

 

I was having to dodge this busy "Bumble Bee" while trying to take a picture of my wisteria.

VA Beach Pools

Finding a great pool company is sometimes a task in itself.  Making your home a comfort zone is something you want professionals to handle.  When making your home into the place you have for special moments, you will be looking to get the best quality for the price.  Outstanding service can be found in Virginia Beach, VA, when you shop at the  http://www.pools-vabeach.com/outdoor-living.html  website.  They are local to your area, they have the necessary products at lower prices and can give you quality that other companies can't.  Here's where shopping for your custom pool, ends.  Contacting one of their representative's for a quote will get your started on the summer's fun ahead of time.  They can show you the different styles, along with the accessories, and equipment for you pool.  Outdoor or indoor pools are the specialty this company can give.  Look no further than this website, to get the best quality in products and services.
This company can and will give you the one pool you've been wanting, and all you need to do is call, set up and appointment to get this project started.  Consider the fun you will have once your pool is complete!

The Bees

While outside in my yard, I noticed the bees swarming these hyacinths getting nectar from the blooms.  You could hear the bears humming as they flew from one plant to another.

 

I need to mow, but if I do, it will take away a natural place for the bees to gather nectar.  I will wait a few more days before I mow.

Rain

It's been horrible for 2 weeks and today, it's been raining all day long.  They say that it will turn to sleet or snow by this evening and through tomorrow.  The ground is saturated and water standing in the low places.  It's a mess, but the lakes need it, so I guess I'll stop complaining.  The wet cold goes right through my old bones and keeps me cold all the time.  Sure am ready for "Spring"!

Sleet

  

I saw a robin yesterday evening, so I know it won't be long until spring arrives.  Until then, we will just have to maintain and survive until the fun times begin.  Right now all most people can do is "hunker down" and ride out the bad weather.

Aloe Vera

 

Recently, I got two starts from an aloe vera plant, and brought them home.  They've been in this pot since than and I've fertilized them once.  Rain water seems to be helping them grow well.  Will put them outside when threat of frost is gone.  Warm temps help them grow real well, and I won't have to catch the rain water, it will fall on them freely.

Christmas Cactus

 

I got this cactus back during Christmas, when they were on sale.  Since then I re-potted it into a larger pot to encourage growth.  I fertilized it once since then and it seems to be doing well.

Sweet Potato Slips

 

As you can see the sweet potato that I've been rooting, has got several "slips" growing, which can be removed along with some of the roots, later for planting.

Spring Blooms

 

Well, what do you think?  These spring flowers are blooming and the temps are real nice, they are always the first one's to bloom.  The ground hog predicted that we would have an six more weeks of winter.........so, now it's a wait and see.

Winter/Spring?

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.........and the temps are creeping up into the 60's, so that means we are in for some nice weather.  The problem is that we will have some more freezing weather and the trees and spring plants will be confused and get frost bitten.  I guess there will be a problem finding good fruit again this year at the stores.

Trees Blooming

 This is the old elm tree in the front yard and as you can see it's putting out it blooms.  The other trees are doing the same with the warm weather we've been having.  The blooms are plentiful,  which will turn into seeds that it will drop and cause many new seedlings to pop up in my yard.  These are a problem, because I have to keep cutting them back when they get too big.  The flower beds are full of them and it's a constant battle each year.

Peaches

 

This was one of my peach trees, last year.  Our weather has been volatile this year, with warm and then cold spells, back and forth.  The trees have already started to bud for the coming spring and now we have another freezing cold front happening.  I'm afraid what will become of this year's crops with all this weather fluctuation.  The spring plants are subject to this problem, as well!

Money Out of Pocket

It's amazing the amount of money that can be spent on keeping up a yard and garden.  Last year I remember investing large amounts just to keep the yard in city code shape and clean.  It means that if you want to have a yard that keeps standard viewing, then you are going to spend money on it.
My vegetable garden cost quite a bit of cash as well.  This leaves me to think about down sizing the coming year.  I did the type of garden one is accustomed to having in the years prior to now.  Back then you had a huge garden with all types of vegetables to support the coming harvests.  Today, it's not feasible to have such a garden considering the things that just won't grow right in certain soils and the weather.  Certain soils take a large amount of mulch to get it in shape for planting seasons.  I'm one person who is not young anymore.  I have to pay people to come and do the heavy work for me.  Here in you have more expense. 
This coming year I am considering having raised beds that can be easier controlled.  The harvest will be less but I'm sure the area involved will produce better.

Donate

  I recently became introduced to the idea of this post.  It has been check by me and I think this will be a great idea for many people to get involved in.  
The "click to donate" website offers individuals the opportunity to donate to certain causes and never have to spend a penny.  You can go to  http://www.clicktodonate.org  and look at the information they have listed for your possible interest.  The website puts a clicker on your webpage beside the search bar and every time you do a search it register's for the cause you are donating to.  I saw where there were several you could utilize, but it gives you the option of doing your own "cause" as long as you list the company and the name of the "cause".  Donating without having to spend any money is a great idea and is used along with 501 companies.  There are many companies that Google, Bing and other websites are interacting along with to perform this means of donating to non profit organizations.  Along with these companies, you can be of help to certain disaster relief organizations and not have to put one penny into it.
How great it would be if every time you did a search on your search bar, you could actually be of help to some needy cause?  I wonder how these people came to implement this wonderful help based website?  Take the time to go and look around for yourself and see how easy it is to be of service to others without much effort.

Sprouts

 

A wee bit of progress is the last two days......it looks like I'll be able to plant some sweet potato slips in boxes this spring.....that'll be fun and I love to eat sweet potatoes....weekly!

Earthworms Can Work

So, you think earthworms are outdoors creatures? Well, you can actually raise them indoors, and use their castings to improve your soil, indoors and out. Container Make it large and manageable, space 8 to 12 inches deep. They feed on the top layers of the bedding. Bins can be plastic or wood. Drill 8 to 12, ¼-inch-diameter holes in the bottom and sides for aeration and drainage. Drill more holes if using plastic or bedding stays wet. Place a tray under bin to collect “tea” that drips from bin. Tea makes good fertilizer for houseplants. Bedding Options; shredded cardboard, newspaper, or coir (coconut husks); and peat moss. Mist bedding with water if it looks dry. Cover bins to keep worms in dark. Keep temperatures between 40°F and 80°F for survival, place bins in cellar, warm garage. Red wigglers thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 77°F (Worms from garden, night crawlers, prefer cooler and deeper soils.) Buy red wigglers through the mail or at a bait shop. One pound of red wiggler worms (about 1,000 worms) can eat a 1/2 pound of scraps a day. Food Feed worms vegetable scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed egg shells, and even leftover pasta. No spicy foods. Avoid meats, fish, fatty and oily foods, and bones. Lay a thin layer on top of bedding. Worms feed in the dark. A small amount of potting soil or cornmeal help your worms digest their meal. Harvest After 3 to 4 months your worms should have eaten the bedding and the scraps. Top layer of matter should be dark brown and the consistency of chunky sand. Harvest the castings. Push the castings to side, add more bedding and scraps. Worms will go to the new bedding and scraps. Dig out castings and add more bedding and scraps. Make sure to pick out stray wigglers and return

Roots

 

Back during Thanksgiving, I had an extra sweet potato that was too small to worry about peeling.

 

So, I put it in a glass of water on the window sill, and left it to root..  Recently, I notice these roots growing around the bottom of the potato.  I also can see some sprouts starting from one of the eye's.  Soon I will have slips that can be planted this spring.  I'm thinking of making a box, with compost in it to set them out.

Temps

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.........and the temps are creeping up into the 60's, so that means we are in for some nice weather.  The problem is that we will have some more freezing weather and the trees and spring plants will be confused and get frost bitten.  I guess there will be a problem finding good fruit again this year at the stores.

Spring?

Ok, enough of this cold crap!  The ground hog hasn't even seen his shadow yet, and we're still freezing our butts off!  I get tired of the cold weather, cause most of the time it's a wet cold and that cuts right through my bones.  It would be nice to have spring, year round!

Winter

The weathermen, are predicting some freezing rain, and possible snow this week.  I have large trees which are old and tend to break easily.  This is a scary situation for me, since there is a large tree hanging over the front of my house and the power lines.  This happened last year and the people next door were without power for a week until they could get the big tree cut off the house and reconnect the power lines.  I sure hope the weather doesn't become too bad and cause all this damage again this year.